Cathy Adduci, River Forest village president, has been at the center of the ongoing debate about the possibility of term limits for the village board.
She’s heard plenty from the residents about the issue – some in support, some in opposition, and many asking for clarity on when term limits would apply to elected officials.
What’s her key message to the community?
“We have a seven-member board, and until we have come to a decision on this, I ask for the community’s patience,” she said. “I can say with certainty that we have enough time to discuss this issue, and ultimately, we will come to a decision and our residents will be heard.”
The exact wording used in a citizen group’s petition that placed the referendum on the April 1 election ballot has caused confusion about whether that referendum is binding or advisory. The Yes votes totaled 53.15%, compared to 46.8% for the No votes.
The language of the referendum question that asked residents to vote for or against term limits was specific:
“Shall the Village of River Forest, after the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election, enact term limits for the elected offices of Village President, Village Clerk, and the six (6) Village Trustees for no more than two (2) four-year (4-year) terms total as follows: for each of three (3) Trustees beginning with the April 3, 2027, Consolidated election, and for the Village President, Village Clerk, and three (3) Trustees starting with the April 6, 2029, Consolidated election?”
“The village board is working toward ensuring that the ambiguity in the petition paperwork doesn’t create a situation where term limits could be challenged in the future,” Adduci said. “It is critical that prior to changing any village code, legal due diligence is needed.
“Although the referendum was initiated by residents, the role of the village board is to ensure term limits are implemented in a way that should withstand any future legal challenges.”
While some have said that the process has taken a fair amount of time, Adduci said she believes “this process has moved at the right pace.
“At our Sept. 8 meeting, trustees raised additional legal questions,” she said. “We will now revisit the matter and hear from our attorney on Oct. 13, ensuring discussions continue to move forward.
“It’s important to take the necessary time to fully consider the legal implications of any decision – whether residents supported or opposed the referendum. While we’ve had to work around board members’ and summer schedules, there is still ample time to resolve this matter so that term limits can be in place for the 2027 municipal election.”
Lance Malina, village attorney, said at the Sept. 8 board meeting a binding referendum could be placed on either the November 2026 general election or the April 2027 municipal election ballot.
But further insights aren’t readily available. A Wednesday Journal Freedom of Information Act request for any confidential memos delivered by Malina to the board regarding term limits was denied last week.
Adduci said the board will continue discussions about term limits at the Oct. 13 village board meeting. Does she feel the board is forming consensus on the matter?
“The board has held productive, friendly conversations on the topic, and I am optimistic that will continue as we approach a decision on how to move forward,” she said. “We are working toward a resolution to the legal questions about the petition sheets.”
Discussion and scrutiny is crucial, she said, because implementing term limits will have a lasting impact on River Forest residents for generations to come.
“So we need to get it right,” she said, adding that residents can call the village hall with questions at 708-366-8500 or email the village board through vrf.us/contact-board.aspx. Visiting vrf.us/termlimits provides more information about term limits.